Japanese sumo wrestler Onosato has achieved the country’s highest rank of yokozuna at a record pace, competing in just 13 professional tournaments. The 24-year-old from Ishikawa Prefecture is only the second Japanese-born grand champion to reach this position since Nishonoseki won it in 2017.
Onosato ensured his promotion by winning the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament with two days to spare and achieved back-to-back championships as an ozeki. The Japan Sumo Association officially approved his elevation at a special meeting on Wednesday.
Born with a height of 192 centimeters and weighing 191 kilograms, Onosato is known for his impressive pushing and grappling techniques. He has won four Emperor’s Cups and will become the first Japanese-born sumo wrestler to turn yokozuna without losing any matches.
Onosato joins former champion Wajima as the only wrestler to achieve grand champion status after entering the professional ranks from university. His rise to yokozuna is unprecedented, achieving the rank in just nine tournaments after his top-tier makuuchi division debut.
The young sumo star has expressed gratitude and responsibility towards his new role, promising to continue inspiring fans and promoting Japanese sumo culture.
Source: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/05/68e4a493f74c-update1-sumo-onosato-becomes-yokozuna-at-record-pace-after-13-tournaments.html